Lionel Bond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Lionel Bond
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| Born | 16 June 1884 Aldershot, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 4 October 1961 (aged 77) Surrey, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1903–1941 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Service number | 22542 |
| Unit | Royal Engineers |
| Commands held | Malaya Command (1939–41) Royal School of Military Engineering (1935–39) Chatham Area (1935–39) |
| Battles/wars | Mohmand Expedition of 1908 First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
| Relations | Major-General Sir Francis George Bond (father) |
Sir Lionel Vivian Bond (born June 16, 1884 – died October 4, 1961) was an important leader in the British Army. He reached the high rank of Lieutenant-General.
Early Military Career
Lionel Bond followed in his father's footsteps, who was also a Major-General. Lionel went to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. In 1903, he became a second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. This group specializes in building and engineering for the army.
His first military action was in the Mohmand Expedition of 1908. This was a military operation in what is now Pakistan. He also fought in Mesopotamia during the First World War.
After the First World War, Bond studied at the Staff College, Camberley in 1919. He later wrote about new ideas for tank warfare. He disagreed with some of the new theories.
Leading Roles and Singapore's Defense
Sir Lionel Bond held several important positions. In 1934, he became the Chief Engineer at Aldershot Command. This meant he was in charge of all engineering work there.
In 1935, he became the General Officer Commanding Chatham Area. Then, in 1938, he was made the Commandant of the Royal School of Military Engineering. He was also the Inspector of the Royal Engineers.
Defending Singapore in World War II
During the Second World War, Sir Lionel Bond took command of Malaya in July 1939. This area included the Malayan Peninsula and Singapore.
He knew that the Japanese might try to attack Singapore. He believed they would come through Siam (now Thailand) from the north. His forces were small, so he had to make a smart plan.
Bond decided to focus on defending Southern Johore and Singapore Island. This was a strategy of "close defense." It meant protecting the most important areas directly.
Sir Lionel Bond finished his time in Malaya on April 29, 1941. He retired from the army soon after. He passed away in 1961.
